so far as we can learn, the quantity in the dump
is small. We are working on an unprofitable scale, and need more labor
and better and more expensive machines. In short, we need more money. I
have no doubt Mr. Thirlwell will admit this."

"A larger capital would be an advantage," Thirlwell assented dryly.

"We can't extend our capital," George objected. "It was hard work to get
the stock we have issued taken up."

"I can show you how the difficulty can be got over," Stormont resumed.
"You know I floated the Adventurers Company to work the back blocks, and
as the claims haven't come up to our expectations, we have more money
than we can use, while the Agatha Company has not enough. Well, I
propose that you combine with us on the terms I've drafted. If you don't
approve them all, we'll meet you where we can."

He gave George a paper, but Agatha interposed: "You can take it for
granted that we will not make the combine."

Stormont smiled, deprecatingly. "I'm afraid you cannot help yourselves,
Miss Strange."

Agatha looked at George, whose face got red.

"I can understand the Adventurers being anxious to take us in. Your
property is worthless, Mr. Stormont, and ours is rich."

"We're willing to pay."

George studied the paper and then threw it down. "You're willing to pay
about a quarter of what the mine is worth! After reading that document,
it's obvious that you mean to put the screw to us; but we'll fight."

Scott, who glanced at the draft of agreement, nodded, but Stormont said:
"You might make some trouble, but must be beaten."

"Why?" Agatha asked.

"I think your brother knows. Each share in your company carries a vote;
I hold a large block, and the gentlemen who have promised to support me
hold more. If you force us to call a meeting, we will count you out."

"There are some shares in reserve," said Agatha, whose eyes sparkled
defiantly.

Stormont smiled. "If you have some rich friends, you might, of course,
persuade them to buy the shares and vote for you; but you can't sell
them in the ordinary way. I imagine Mr. Strange has tried!"

Agatha saw that George had tried when she glanced at his disturbed face.
Then she turned to Thirlwell and noted, with surprise, that he looked
amused. She could see nothing in the way matters were going that
warranted his humorous twinkle. It looked as if Stormont would win, and
she felt that she was being robbed to satisfy his greed; but the mine
meant more to her th